Staff Profiles
Andy is Chairman and founder of Reade Signs. Andy trained as a "signwriter" straight from leaving school and learned the trade by working alongside a traditional signwriter. He then moved to a company specialising in vehicle signwriting and local fascia signs. This was followed by a spell at a large Government establishment where he found his skills underused. He then set up Reade Signs from a back bedroom progressing to a start-up unit in Ash Vale. The company had two further moves before they settled on their current location in Holder Road, Aldershot in August 2003. In his spare time Andy likes to follow the England football team all round the world. play badminton and visiting his children in Australia.
Andy Fergus-Smith started out as a Graphic Designer, after years in the industry. Andy went onto set up a screen print business which he ran successfully for 11 years before joining Reade Signs to head up the company's design and production departments. Now Andy is a company director and shareholder. On a daily basis he enjoys client meetings, implementing company procedures, and ensuring his management team deliver. In his spare time he plays guitar, assistant manager in his sons football team, and is a keen networker
Roy trained originally as a civil engineer before joining the sign industry. He dealt with all aspects of manufacturing signage and specialised in Neon. He progressed from shop floor to Production Manager, then looking for a new challenge he joined Reade Signs to work as an estimator. He is now Senior Account Manager who over sees all the coporate accounts. In his spare time Roy loves to go fishing, watch motorsport and football.
Mark joined Reade Signs following 10 years of working in exhibitions and displays. Prior to that Mark worked for Tag Worldwide as a Head of Creative Retouching. Mark is known for never being at his desk as he is constantly running around Reade HQ between the studio and production. He has eaten lunch just twice since he joined! Outside of work Marks passions are DIY and history. He is keen to visit the Egyptian Pyramids at some point in the not to distant future.
Jamie originally worked in the mining industry in Zimbabwe as a small scale gold miner. Jamie started work with Reade Signs as an on-site fitter and is now the Installations Manager, managing three teams plus external contractors and suppliers. In his spare time he enjoys woodwork and spending time with his family.
Linda joined Reade Signs in 1999 after a background in banking; she was a chief cashier at Nat West Bank. Linda is responsible for all accounts and payroll duties. In her spare time Linda enjoys dancing, looking after her grandchildren and baking.
Mick started off his working career in the graphics industry in 1980 as a Finished Artist / Graphic Designer. After a spell with the BBC as an outside broadcast rigger he returned to the graphics industry. Mick has worked for some of the major players in the Sign Industry, and has worked 'on both sides of the fence' from site work and production through to management. Mick joined Reade Signs to head up the production department and with him brought an in-depth wide ranging knowledge of the industry but is still keen to learn. Outside of work Mick participates in motorbike racing and clay pigeon shooting.
Paul has a background in Digital Print. He previously worked for Repropoint, a specialized digital printers as Studio Manager. Paul manages the design studio here at Reade Signs. He is very sporty and enjoys spending time with his family after becoming a dad for the first time to Jack. His hobbies include golf and football and he is an avid Tottenham Hotspur supporter.
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